Homemade Chocolate Orange Sticks are a delightful treat that combines the bright, tangy flavor of oranges with the rich, smooth taste of chocolate. These sweet and zesty sticks are a perfect addition to holiday platters, gift boxes, or anytime you crave a unique and tasty confection. Making them at home ensures that they’re fresh, flavorful, and customizable to your liking!
Ingredients
- Oranges: 3 large oranges (preferably organic, for better flavor and safety when using the peel).
- Granulated Sugar: 2 cups (for syrup and coating).
- Water: 2 cups (for syrup).
- Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 8 oz (melted for dipping).
- Optional Toppings: Additional granulated sugar, sprinkles, or sea salt for garnishing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Peels:
- Wash the oranges thoroughly.
- Cut the oranges into quarters and carefully remove the peel, leaving most of the white pith attached. Slice the peel into thin sticks.
- Blanch the Peels:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the orange peel sticks and boil for 2 minutes. Drain and repeat this process two more times to reduce the bitterness of the peels.
- Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Candy the Peels:
- Add the blanched orange peels to the syrup and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peels become translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
- Dry the Peels:
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Dip in Chocolate:
- Melt the dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Dip each dried orange stick halfway into the melted chocolate and place them on parchment paper to set.
- Optional: Sprinkle with sugar or other toppings before the chocolate hardens for extra texture and flavor.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the chocolate to fully harden at room temperature or refrigerate for faster setting. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the chocolate orange sticks as a standalone dessert, a garnish for cocktails, or a topping for desserts like ice cream and cakes.
- Storage: Store the sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a month. Ensure they are kept away from moisture to maintain their texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of chocolate for dipping?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
2. How can I make the orange sticks less bitter?
Blanching the orange peels multiple times helps reduce bitterness. You can also trim excess white pith if needed.
3. Can I reuse the leftover syrup?
Absolutely! The orange-flavored syrup is great for sweetening drinks, baking, or making cocktails.
4. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
You can try using sugar substitutes like erythritol for the syrup and a sugar-free chocolate alternative. Keep in mind, the texture and taste might vary slightly.
PrintHOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ORANGE STICKS
These homemade chocolate orange sticks are a delightful treat with a burst of citrus flavor coated in rich chocolate. Perfect for gifting or indulging, they bring together the tangy sweetness of orange with the smooth decadence of chocolate. They’re easy to make and are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 7 hours
- Yield: 40–50 sticks 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snacks
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American, European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Orange Sticks:
- 3 large oranges (washed)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for a shinier coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Peels:
- Slice off the ends of the oranges and cut the peel into thin strips (about ¼ inch wide). Remove excess pith to avoid bitterness.
- Boil the Peels:
- Place the orange peels in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then drain. Repeat this process 2 more times to reduce bitterness.
- Candy the Peels:
- In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the orange peels and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peels become translucent.
- Dry the Peels:
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peels to a wire rack lined with parchment paper. Let them dry for 4–6 hours or overnight.
- Coat in Chocolate:
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Dip each orange stick halfway into the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Let Them Set:
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm.
Notes
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the chocolate-dipped sticks with coarse sea salt, crushed nuts, or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer storage.